Sina Jacobsen is a pro Wakeboarder who rides for Slingshot, Fritz Kola, and Jetpilot. She’s been pushing the female cable wake scene for a few years now. Sina recently designed the graphics for the Slingshot Copycat and Contrast boards. She also publishes a magazine called CopyCatsClub that focuses on women in wakeboarding. Sina is the fiancé of Wes Jacobsen, who also rides for Slingshot and is featured in this volume of our Artist Series.
Sina Fuchs Jacobsen Interview
Can you give us some background about yourself?
Heja, for sure! I’m from the middle of Germany, grew up skiing and snowboarding. Before I could go alone on the mountain, I spent my time at my grandma’s bar. My grandma gave me pencils and papers and I fell in love. So that’s the start. I spent hours drawing in that bar. When I got older, I loved drawing landscapes on canvas next to doing all kind of sports that were available in my area. In the 7th grade, I had the option to choose a main class next to math and languages. I chose art and had art every day in school until the end of high school and made my degree in it. I applied for art studies but didn’t get chosen, so I studied sport economics. I always dreamed of designing snowboards, so I was a little sad I didn’t get a study place. I had a little break in this time but when I met Wes, I found my art again and gained the confidence to show it to the world.
Can you tell us about how you came to start working with Slingshot?
I got on the international riders team for Slingshot. Then I got the opportunity to design my pro model - and I said yes to it!
Can you tell us a bit about the 2022 Copycat and Contrast boards? Any stories behind those designs?
The Contrast is Carro Djüpso’s Pro Model, so I worked together with her. She wanted the city of Stockholm on her board because she’s from Sweden. From that point, I’m drawing and sending her sketches - and we kept going back and forth until we were both happy! And the Copycat, I had a big plan for my own first self-designed board. I went to all my graphics from the past and all the snowboards I loved. When the boot design was finished and it was so colorful, I decided my original board plan would be way too much. So I took it easy on the board design. I love abstract and I wanted the cats on the board. I think it’s just all about the cats.
Can you tell us a bit about the CopyCatsClub – what’s it all about?
I started CopyCatsClub three years ago. I saw in all the wake magazines and in social media - just guys. You’d find one female interview or one picture in the whole issue. Same in social media. On the other hand, I saw more and more girls posting quality content and the girls’ riding level was blowing up. So, I decided I wanted to do something for the girls.
Can you tell us a little bit about your process?
First in my process is to believe in myself and that I can deliver a creative product. And then I think it all starts with daily inspiration around you. When getting into a project, I start with what is current right now in my life and what I’m attracted to.
Can you tell us about your artistic influences?
I just finished the third print magazine. I would say I grabbed every magazine I saw the last weeks and inhaled it. No one can tell you the right way for you to be artistic. You need to hear it from your heart and mind and do what you’re attracted to. I get a lot of inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram but I try more to get inspired from my own life and what’s around me.
How would you describe your artistic style?
It’s based around pastel colors, abstract, sketch, and cats of course.
What are your main sources of inspiration right now?
Cats, nature, women.
How would you say your work has evolved over time?
With every new project I finish, I find a small new side of myself. Sometimes I can’t believe I did it. I’m still early in my career -so ask me that again maybe in 10 years.
Do you and Wes collaborate on projects?
We’ve talked for a long time about doing a collab called Space Cats. It’s all still in our heads right now. But I mean, we help each other every day. We share projects and ideas. I think in every piece Wes or I makes is a little bit of each other.
How did you and Wes meet?
I planned a year of wakeboarding and focusing on myself. My first trip was to Valdosta Wake Compound and there he was. Actually, we didn’t see each other the first two weeks, than we had a Halloween party and I couldn’t get my eyes off the guy in the tiger costume. Since that night we are gluing.
Can you tell us about how the outdoors has influenced your work?
The outdoors opens my eyes every day and helps me see the beauty in everything. Being creative is a process and it never comes from nothing. Daily inspiration is important for fresh ideas in your work.
